On Friday, Sept. 13, St. Peter’s Hospital orchestrated a suicide prevention class today for staff and all internal employees to create a conversation over mental illness and the important warnings signs to recognize.
The class referred to as “Q.P.R.” is an acronym which stands for: Question, persuade and refer. These are important steps to take and understand when facing yourself or someone you know who could be secretly suffering from depression. And part of an even greater movement for the hospital called, “We Speak Mental Health” awareness week carried on by St. Pete’s.
Montana is ranked as one of the highest rates of suicide in the country with a victim to this disease passing every 33 hours. In 2018, statistically, suicide was the eighth leading cause of death.
With 80 community members who actively participated in the training this week, Haylie Wisemiller, a Registered Nurse and Population Health Education Specialist, spoke with MTN about the importance of the class and the steps they’re taking to engage and educate the community in opening-up about mental health.
“We have a goal to have 25% of our staff trained that's not just licensed personnel nursing and what not; that is anyone and everyone from patient access to nursing. Anyone who has the potential to come across someone in a suicidal crisis.”
Wisemiller continued, “Anyone, can save a life.”
For more information on Q.P.R and mental health at St. Peter’s hospital, please visit Saint Peter's Health
